Lethal coronary air embolism caused by the removal of a double-lumen hemodialysis catheter: a case report

Abstract

Coronary air embolism is a rare event. We report a case in which an acute myocardial infarction occurred in the region supplied by the right coronary artery after the removal of a double-lumen hemodialysis catheter. Emergent coronary angiography revealed air bubbles obstructing the mid-segment of the right coronary artery with slow flow phenomenon distally. The patient expired due to myocardial infarction.

Over-catheter tract suture to prevent bleeding and air embolism after tunnelled catheter removal

“…Nevertheless, catheter removals are often safely accomplished at the bedside on an outpatient basis (3, 11). Severe adverse events such as stuck catheter (12) or air embolism (6–7–8–9–10) are rare, but possible. To prevent air embolism during central venous catheter placement, various physiologic manoeuvres were evaluated, with the Valsalva manoeuvre being the most effective (13).…”

“…As catheter removal is believed to be a safe procedure, less data focus upon the procedure (2–3–4–5). But it has to be noted, that on catheter removal, severe, life-threating, complications might occur (6–7–8–9–10). We present a useful technique that may prevent vascular air embolism and severe bleeding from large vein when a tunnelled catheter is removed.…”